Definition

Colon cancer is the growth of cancer in the large intestine. The large intestine, or colon, absorbs water and nutrients from foods. After, the colon passes the solid waste to the rectum for storage, before it is eliminated from the body.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Eventually these uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems in the cells, but it is probably a combination of genetics and environment.

Risk Factors

Being over 50 years old increases your chance of colon cancer. Other factors that may increase your chance of colon cancer include:

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will check the rectum for lumps or abnormal areas, and recommend different tests in order to identify tumors and confirm diagnosis.

The physical exam, combined with all of your test results, will help to determine the type and stage of cancer you have. Staging is used to guide your treatment plan. Like other cancers, colon cancer is staged from I-IV. Stage I is a very localized cancer, while stage IV indicates a spread to other parts of the body

Treatment

Treatment for colon cancer depends on how early it is detected, and the stage or location of the tumor.

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may include one or more of the following options:

Surgery

Surgery is the main treatment for colon cancer. There are several options for surgery depending on the location of the cancer and how much it has spread:

Polypectomy and local excision—Early stage removal of the cancer.

Partial colectomy—Removal of the cancer with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue and lymph nodes. The healthy ends of the colon are reconnected.

Total colectomy—Removal of the entire colon. The last part of the small intestine, called the ileum, is then connected to the rectum.

Some surgeries may require temporary or permanent colostomies. A colostomy is a surgical opening through the wall of the abdomen into the colon. This is used as a path for waste material to leave the body. After a colostomy, you will wear a special bag to collect bodily waste.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of
radiation
to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It is directed at the site of the tumor from a source outside the body.
This therapy is aimed at the immediate area of the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be given in many forms, including pill, injection, and catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body killing mostly cancer cells. They can also kill some healthy cells.
This therapy is systemic, meaning it affects your entire body.

Medications

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications to target and kill cancer cells, while sparing healthy tissue. They are currently used to treat advanced cancers. Targeted therapy is less harmful to healthy tissue, which reduces side effects. It may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.

Other Medications

Some medications can be used as part of a treatment plan. Other medications may help to either prevent or reduce side effects of treatments, or to manage certain side effects once they occur. These include:

Corticosteroids

Blood stem cell support medications

Antiemetics to control nausea

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications

Opioids to control pain

Tell your doctor when you notice a new symptom, and ask if any of these medications are appropriate for you.

Prevention

Screening

The causes of most cancers are not known. However, it is possible to prevent many colon and rectal cancers by finding and removing polyps that could become cancerous. Beginning at age 50, both men and women with average risk should follow one of the following screening options:

Colonoscopy every 10 years

Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years

CT colonography every 5 years

Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years

MR colonography every 5 years

Stool DNA test every 3 years

Annual fecal occult blood test (FOBT)

Annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT)

People with any of the following risk factors should begin colon and rectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often:

African American or Native Americans

Strong family history of colon or rectal cancer, or polyps

Family history of hereditary colon or rectal cancer syndromes

History of colon or rectal cancer, or adenomatous polyps

History of chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Be sure to discuss colon cancer screening with your doctor to see how and when you should be screened.

Lifestyle Changes

There are lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of colon cancer, such as:

Not smoking

Eating a
healthful diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in red meat

Being physically active by exercising at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week

Drinking alcohol in moderation—maximum of 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women

Maintaining a healthy weight

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

The health information in this Health Library is provided by a third party. Cartersville Medical Center does not in any way create the content of this information. It is provided solely for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. Always consult with your doctor for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing, and care recommendations. Do not rely on information on this site as a tool for self-diagnosis. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.